The key to keeping your leather beautiful: the science of oil maintenance

Why oil is good for leather maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to keep your precious leather products looking good for a long time. In this article, we will thoroughly analyze the reasons why oil is used for leather maintenance.

Characteristics of leather and the effects of oil

Leather is a durable, natural material made from animal hides. This material is prized for its beauty, feel and unique look. However, leather tends to dry out and lose its flexibility over time. This is because the natural oils in leather evaporate, causing the material to harden, crack and fade.

Applying leather oil can combat these issues. The oil penetrates deep into the leather and replenishes lost oils. This allows the leather to regain its flexibility and look almost like new. In addition, the oil has a moisturizing effect, preventing the leather from drying out - one of the secrets to leather lasting longer and aging beautifully.

Oil also protects leather. It creates a thin protective layer that protects it from water, dirt and other elements of damage. This protection helps your leather item withstand everyday use and maintain its beauty for a long time.

Finally, oils improve the colour and lustre of leather and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. Properly oiled leather gives it a deep lustre and brings out its unique texture - a key element that makes leather items more desirable and increases their value.

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5 benefits of oil for leather

Using leather oil has many benefits for your leather products. Here we will detail the 5 main benefits that oil provides to leather.

    • Moisturizing effect: One of the most notable benefits of leather oil is its outstanding moisturizing effect. Leather is a natural material and will naturally lose moisture and dry out over time. Dryness reduces leather's flexibility and causes it to crack and harden. Regular application of leather oil penetrates deep into the leather, replenishing it with the necessary moisture and oils. This allows the leather to maintain its flexibility and protects it from damage caused by dryness. The nutrients in the oil keep the leather fibers lubricated from the inside, helping the leather maintain its natural beauty and functionality over time. Moisturized leather has a pleasant feel and a visually appealing luster. Properly moisturized leather is also more resistant to minor scratches and abrasions from the outside, allowing it to maintain its quality for a long time even in daily use.
    • Increased flexibility: One of the key benefits of applying leather oil to leather products is its increased flexibility. Newly stiff leather, or leather that has stiffened over time, can be softened again with the right application of oil. The oil penetrates between the leather fibers, reducing friction as the fibers rub against each other, resulting in an overall increase in flexibility. This means that the leather will mould more naturally with daily movements and become more comfortable to wear. Leather oil is an essential maintenance product, especially for items that require flexibility to move with the body, such as leather shoes and leather jackets. Increased flexibility also makes leather products more resistant to creases and wrinkles that can easily occur during use, helping them to look beautiful for longer.
    • PROTECTION: One of the key benefits that leather oil offers to leather products is its strong protective effect. The oil forms a thin protective layer on the surface of the leather, which protects it from moisture, dirt and external abrasion. In particular, it effectively prevents water and other liquids from penetrating the leather, preventing damage caused by water and the formation of stains. In addition, this protective layer also prevents fading and drying out caused by sunlight and UV rays. UV rays can fade the color of leather and weaken the material, but regular oil maintenance protects the leather from these external damages. The oil also acts as a barrier against minor scratches and nicks from the outside, helping to keep your leather products looking beautiful for a long time.
    • Increased Durability: One of the key benefits of leather oil is the increased durability of leather products. Oil penetrates deep into the leather fibers, providing flexibility and strength at the same time. This deep penetration makes the leather more resistant to friction and pressure during daily use, which results in a significantly longer lifespan for the product. Oil provides the leather with the nutrients it needs and prevents it from drying out and cracking over time. These conditions are the main causes of reduced durability of leather, but proper oiling can prevent these problems from occurring. In addition, the protective layer provided by the oil prevents minor scratches and stains from settling on the leather surface, reducing the risk of damage from external factors.
    • Improved Color and Luster: Another important benefit of using leather oil is its ability to enhance the color and luster of leather. Leather oil penetrates deep into the surface of the leather, enhancing the natural color and giving it a rich luster. This luster gives leather products a luxurious feel and depth, significantly improving the appearance of the material. With proper oil care, leather can retain its original beautiful color for a long time, especially as the natural aging process of leather is prone to color changes and fading over time. Oil provides even moisture to the leather, preventing it from drying out or cracking, while maintaining the color depth and luster over time.

These benefits make leather oil an essential part of your leather care routine. Choosing the right oil and using it correctly will keep your leather item in top condition, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and functionality for a long time.

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How to choose oil and use it correctly

The choice and application of oils is an important factor in leather care. Choosing the right oil and using it correctly will keep your leather product in optimal condition for a long time.

How to choose oil

When choosing a leather oil, first check the type of leather. Different leathers have different properties and require the right oil. For example, mink oil or Neitzfoot oil are suitable for full grain and top grain leathers, while for delicate suede and nubuck, a specific suede protectant spray is recommended.

The ingredients of the oil are also an important selection criterion. Oils made from natural ingredients are gentler on leather than those containing chemicals and are suitable for long-term use. It is also effective to choose an oil that enhances the waterproofing and stain resistance of the leather, taking into consideration the use and storage environment of the leather.

Correct usage

Before using oil, always clean and dry the leather surface. This will help the oil penetrate evenly into the leather. Apply a small amount of oil to a cloth and apply a thin, even layer to the leather. Excessive oil can damage leather, so add a little at a time and use only as much as needed.

After applying the oil, it's important to let the leather air dry - slowly at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. This will allow the oil to penetrate the leather properly and provide optimal protection. You can also extend the life of your product even further with regular maintenance and tailoring your care to the condition of your leather.

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Maintenance frequency and precautions

Maintaining your leather items is essential to ensure they last a long time and look their best, but it's important to know how often to perform the maintenance and what to look out for.

Maintenance frequency

Generally, it is recommended that leather items be oiled every 3-6 months. However, this will vary depending on how often they are used, how they are stored, and the type of leather. For example, items that are used daily or in a dry environment may require more frequent maintenance. Conversely, items that are used infrequently or in a humid environment can require longer intervals.

Important points to note

When performing leather maintenance, please pay attention to the following points:

  • Too much oil: Using too much oil can make the leather too soft or leave the surface sticky. Always start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed.
  • Choose the right oil for your product: Not all leather oils are suitable for all leather types, especially for special leathers such as suede or nubuck, use dedicated products.
  • Apply the oil evenly: If the oil is not applied evenly, it can result in uneven coloring or spots. After application, gently wipe off with a cloth to ensure an even layer.
  • Test it: Before using any new oil, test it on an inconspicuous area to be sure it won't adversely affect the leather.

Following these guidelines will help you properly care for your leather items and keep them looking beautiful and functioning for a long time.

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summary

In this blog, we have explained in detail the reasons for using oil to maintain leather items, its benefits, how to choose the right oil and how to use it correctly, as well as how often maintenance should be performed and what precautions to take.

  • Characteristics of leather and the effects of oil: Leather is a natural material that dries out easily, and oil helps maintain its flexibility and durability.
  • We delve into the 5 benefits that oils provide to leather: moisturizing, improving flexibility, protection, durability and improving colour, and discover why oils are essential in leather care.
  • How to choose the right oil and how to use it correctly: Choosing the right oil for the type of leather and the intended use of the product is important, and applying it properly is key to maintaining the beauty of the leather for a long time.
  • Maintenance frequency and precautions: It is important to adjust the frequency of maintenance according to how the leather item is used and to avoid excessive use of oil or the use of inappropriate products.

With proper care, your leather item will retain its value over time, so use this guide to keep your precious leather goods in top condition.

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Author Information


Author: Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Occupation: Owner of Slowth Lab

Self-introduction: I have worked in sales and marketing at apparel companies in Japan and overseas for over a quarter of a year. I have a deep knowledge of mode fashion, sports, outdoors, and subculture.